Angelika Hiesel

How and when did you start skiing, how has it evolved ever since and what got you into freeskiing?

I started skiing with my brothers when I was around 4 years old. We did not go to a ski area, we had to make our own piste first, so that way we only got one run in a day :)

I stopped skiing when I was a teenager, but started again with 20. Then I started to really love it. After a few years as a skibum, I did all my ski instructors exams and finally became a ski guide.

After all my exams I started to compete in Europe in all the Freeride Comps and then I went to New Zealand for a season. There I won my first comp and from that on I was skiing and filming around the world….very lucky!

Who were/are your idols on and off the hill?

Sverre Lilleqvist

What does skiing mean to you personally?

I love to be outdoors and I love to ski! I respect nature as it is and I love to play with what nature has to offer!

What were your 3 biggest accomplishments on hill and why?

Winning my first competition in New Zealand because there were so many good female skiers in the comp.

Going Heli Skiing in Alaska - a dream for all Freeriders :)

Passing my Skiguide exam so I could open my own skischool.

What aspect of skiing thrills you the most? (in skiing in general)

Off piste skiing and Freeriding gives me such a good feeling. There are no gates, which tells you where you have to go, you can choose by yourself…

In what conditions and what terrain do enjoy riding the most?

Off course untracked off piste skiing, skiing in heavy snowfall in the trees and if conditions are right, also very steep skiing is great.

Any activities that aren’t ski related?

Biking, traveling, looking after our little daughter :)

How do you manage to combine family/ friends and job?

Normally my husband Stefan and I manage quite well that we both get enough skiing time. And

luckily my parents are also very good and they look after our daughter whenever Stefan or Kindergarten doesn’t cover my working hours.